News Stories - Page 21

Georgia has long been referred to as the Peach State, yet the fleshy fruit that adorns souvenirs and license plates isn’t counted among the state’s top 10 commodities. Blueberries join that list. University of Georgia blueberry breeder Scott NeSmith, professor emeritus in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Department of Horticulture, has released more than 40 varieties during his career at the university.

Has the heat got you inside looking out? Are you enjoying gardens and landscapes only from the comfort of your air-conditioned car? Indeed we are in the throes of summer in Georgia, but even though it’s brutal for us outside, there are many landscape plants that are in their glory this time of year.

Zhihan Xian’s innovative research into new methods of food origin tracing has been named this year’s winner of the Testing for Life Student Award by AOAC International, a nonprofit association that seeks to set standards of analysis to help ensure food safety globally. Xian, a doctoral student in food science at the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, is on the leading edge of research of food origin authentication.

Donors have long been a powerful source of progress at the University of Georgia, and the past year was no exception. Private donations to UGA in fiscal year 2023 reached $242.8 million, the second-highest fundraising total in the university’s history. Fiscal year 2023 donations created 16 faculty positions, 150+ scholarships and 300+ endowed funds.

Everyone is on their feet. A moment before, a pin dropping from the speaker’s podium would have echoed throughout the chamber at the Georgia Capitol. Then 180 members of Georgia’s House of Representatives filled the room with thunderous applause as Venya Gunjal delivered her final word of thanks.

Travel and tourism in the state of Georgia generated more than $60 billion in economic impact in 2021 according to state data, second only to the state’s largest industry: agriculture. At the University of Georgia, the Hospitality and Food Industry Management program is preparing students for more than 400,000 travel and tourism positions across the state – and beyond.

The University of Georgia’s turf program is supported by a group of faculty and research scientists throughout the state dedicated to year-round turfgrass research and outreach efforts. Members of the UGA Turf Team were recently invited to develop a training and certification program to support the field managers of Mexico’s premier soccer leagues — Liga MX, the top professional men’s soccer division, and Liga MX Femenil, the country’s top women’s soccer division.

Estate planning can be intimidating for some, and the statistics bear this out. Some researchers estimate up to 70% of Americans die without a will, often creating complex legal issues for family members. To address the issue, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension and Fort Valley State University Cooperative Extension agents are offering a free, virtual workshop on Aug. 1.

Three graduates of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences are among the University of Georgia Alumni Association's 40 Under 40 Class of 2023. Among the young alumni addressing the world’s most critical issues, leading businesses and serving their communities are three honorees from CAES: a community advocate, a veterinarian and an obstetrician providing women’s health care in rural Georgia.